Abstract [en]

This paper describes the algorithms of the level-2 research (L2r) processingchain developed for the Superconducting Submillimeter-Wave Limb-EmissionSounder (SMILES). The chain has been developed in parallel to the operationalchain for conducting researches on calibration and retrieval algorithms. L2rchain products are available to the scientific community. The objective ofversion 2 is the retrieval of the vertical distribution of trace gases in thealtitude range of 18-90 km. An theoretical error analysis is conducted toestimate the retrieval feasibility of key parameters of the processing:line-of-sight elevation tangent altitudes (or angles), temperature and O3 profiles. The line-of-sight tangent altitudes are retrievedbetween 20 and 50 km from the strong ozone (O3) line at 625.371 GHz,with low correlation with the O3 volume-mixing ratio and temperatureretrieved profiles. Neglecting the non-linearity of the radiometric gain inthe calibration procedure is the main systematic error. It is large for theretrieved temperature (between 5-10 K). Therefore, atmospheric pressure cannot be derived from the retrieved temperature, and, then, in the altituderange where the line-of-sight tangent altitudes are retrieved, the retrievedtrace gases profiles are found to be better represented on pressure levelsthan on altitude levels. The error analysis for the retrieved HOCl profiledemonstrates that best results for inverting weak lines can be obtained byusing narrow spectral windows. Future versions of the L2r algorithms willimprove the temperature/pressure retrievals and also provide information inthe upper tropospheric/lower stratospheric region (e.g., water vapor, icecontent, O3) and on stratospheric and mesospheric line-of-sight winds.